Community Programs

Overview

Serving over 25,000 individuals each year, CCD's Community Education Programs are some of the most comprehensive in the Denver metro area and are praised for their collaborative approach and highly skilled instructors. These programs reflect CCD's deep commitment to collaboration and enriching lives through dance.

Elementary School Partnerships

The Colorado Conservatory of Dance's Title I Elementary Partnerships bring yearlong arts experiences to 2,500 students in four public schools in high-need neighborhoods each year. More than 80% of the students in these schools fall below the federal poverty line and up to 25% are classified as homeless. Studies show that students with high levels of arts participation outperform students lacking the arts in all areas of competency. The impact is even more significant in students with low-income backgrounds. CCD's two-year residencies provide the opportunity for students to gain confidence through an in-depth process that merges dance with each school's specific curricular priorities.

Anti-Bullying Programs

Since 2006, the Colorado Conservatory of Dance has presented interactive performances using dance to engage school aged children in thoughtful and engaging conversation about bullying. This ballet has taken many forms - from The Ugly Duckling to Madeline, both based on the classic children's book. Since its inception, our anti-bullying programs have been seen by over 20,000 school children across the Denver metro area.

Beginning in 2013, CCD developed and toured an original anti-bullying program, titled It All Starts Somewhere. This program, developed by School Director Julia Wilkinson Manley and Student Company dancer Sarah Jannsen, tells the tale of Angelica, a classroom bully who is herself being bullied at home. Showcasing the cyclical nature of bullying, this ballet touches on cyber bullying, note passing, exclusion, and physical bullying and gives students the tools to understand and overcome bullying.

CCD's anti-bullying programs can be seen across the country, having been presented not only by our own student company, but by Oklahoma City Ballet and Dance Theatre of Tennessee.

Adaptive Dance Education

Ballet Expressions

This adaptive curriculum class is specifically designed to provide kids of allabilities with a therapeutic dance experience. Students gain increased body awareness, develop fundamental motor skills, improve self-esteem, concentration and focus while having fun expressing themselves creatively. The program is taught by a Registered Dance/Movement Therapist with experience working with children of all abilities, students are able to explore dance in a safe environment. Caregivers are welcome to connect with other Ballet Expression families while observing their children through a one-way glass window.

Free Ticket Program

Families and individuals with challenges such as economic limitations, social isolation, physical or developmental disabilities or long-term illness often do not have the same level of access to the arts and cultural community as those without those challenges. Colorado Conservatory of Dance works with ArtReach Denver to provide more than 1,200 free tickets for its professional and student productions to low income seniors and at-risk individuals annually.

Before & After School Ballet

Colorado Conservatory of Dance works with elementary schools in the Denver metro area to provide free ballet lessons to students each week. A professional instructor from CCD's faculty works with students at their elementary school, guiding them through the beginning level syllabus used at The School of CCD. Ballet lessons heighten physical awareness and confidence; teach students how to create and work toward new goals; and increase focus, memory and creative skills.

Free Performances

CCD's student company and school regularly present free interactive performances in the community. be sure to join our E-Blast, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to hear about these programs.

Community Partners

We love 'em. Check them out.

These organizations and companies, whether here in Colorado or across the nation, share our passion for making the world a better place.